Earwigs in palms...

[Zone7Bpalmguy]

Is this a bad sign? I've noticed since last year some earwigs on my sabal birmingham, specifically in the newest fronds. Do you guys ever deal with them? Thanks.

[Las Palmas Norte]

I've never had any damage to my palms as a result of earwigs being present. However I have little tolerance for them and have used bait from time to time. 

 

[Zone7Bpalmguy]

1 hour ago, Las Palmas Norte said:

I've never had any damage to my palms as a result of earwigs being present. However I have little tolerance for them and have used bait from time to time. 

 

I wondered if it was a sign of rot and they were eating dead plant material. Having said that, the palm itself looks fine and fronds/spears appear normal. 

What type of bait do you use? Would sevin dust work? Thanks.

[Las Palmas Norte]

4 hours ago, Zone7Bpalmguy said:

What type of bait do you use? Would sevin dust work? Thanks.

The product I use is nearly used up, 30 years old and is exclusive to the Canadian market only. I'm not even sure it is available anymore. Sevin? No idea. Never used it.

[Rivera]

Earwigs love to hide in crevices. There are nearly always some earwigs hiding around the growth point of numerous species of palms in my garden and they have done no harm that I'm aware of. While they are known to eat some living plant material, I've not seen them eat a bite of even the "tastier" palms like Chamaedorea; they also predate upon mites and little eggs and such. Not an indication of rot or anything (though good to check) so much as a hiding spot.